DAVID Howell’s bid to make his first cut of the 2017 European Tour season has been halted by the elements at the Shenzhen International.

The Swindon ace recorded a two-under-par opening round at the Genzon Golf Club on Thursday and was making steady progress on his second round this morning before heavy rain and lightning saw play abandoned for the day with Howell only completing seven holes.

Starting on the 10th, the 41-year-old opened up with a par four before a birdie three on the 11th saw the two-time Ryder Cup move to three-under for the tournament.

Pars on 12, 13 and 14 were then followed by a bogey five at the 15th to move the Broome Manor pro back to level par for the day.

Howell then steadied the ship with a par at the 16th before the rain set to leave him tied 30th.

County colleague Jordan Smith enjoyed another fine day as he backed up his three-under par first round with another three-under 69 this morning.

The Bowood ace, who is in his first year on the European Tour, also started on the 10th as he went out in 35 after birdies on the 11th, 12th and 17th were pegged back by bogeys on 15 and 18.

As he headed for home, Smith, who has climbed into the world’s top 100 this year, picked up birdies on seven and nine as he returned tied seventh, however, he is six shots behind runaway clubhouse leader Bernd Wiesberger.

Play is set to resume at 11.30pm (BST) this evening.